New to Singapore, Quebrada de Macul Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 showcases the depth and elegance that have made Alto Maipo one of Chile’s most celebrated regions. This vintage opens with dark, brooding aromas of black fruit, warm spice, incense and fresh spearmint. On the palate, it delivers rich, concentrated flavours layered with cocoa, plum and subtle herbal notes, all wrapped in smooth, fine-grained tannins. Crafted from old vines planted in the 1970s and aged in premium French oak, Domus Aurea is unfiltered to preserve its purity and character. Powerful yet beautifully balanced, it offers both immediate pleasure and outstanding cellaring potential.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Mar 13, 2025
Drink: 2025-2040

The 2022 Domus Aurea is more aromatically brooding and spice-driven than the distinctly herbal and balsamic 2021 I tasted next to it. The palate displays the saturation and richness typical of this bottling, achieving almost a cake-like concentration that still manages an ethereal levity and refinement. It concludes with a fine-grained, grippy tannin structure that is more introverted than the open-knit, effortless 2021. Nevertheless, this is unquestionably a classically proportioned, harmonious Bordeaux blend that is among the best expressions of Alto Maipo. It's 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

I adored these recent releases from Quebrada de Macul, all of which beautifully showcase the supreme elegance, understated nature and aromatic complexity of which the best expressions of Alto Maipo are capable. Situated in the foothills of the Andes in Peñalolen in gravel and silt colluvial soils, the vines date from the 1970s and originate from pre-phylloxera plant material. A total of 40 hectares are planted and separated into four blocks, of which only one goes into the production of the Domus Aurea and Stella Aurea bottlings. The wines undergo a five- to seven-day cold soak before fermenting at cool temperatures in stainless steel, then spend 18 to 20 months in light and medium toast Darnajou and Dargaud & Jaeglé barrique, between 40% new for the Stella and up to 80% new for the Domus.

Decanter | D 94
Published: Great Cabernets of South America
Drink: 2024-2045

One Chile’s oldest vineyard areas, Macul has been steadily losing vines to the growing city of Santiago – which is a shame, because wines like this show its staying power. Pencil-shaving tannins underline a dense core of black forest fruit and a sultry nose of incense and spearmint. Full-bodied yet fine-tuned.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14.90%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 3% Cabernet Franc 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Petit Verdot

Wine Spectator | WS 92
Published: May 31, 2025

An intensely savory style, with its singed bay leaf and Nyons olive aromas and flavors melding with a concentrated core of cocoa-accented Santa Rosa plum and bitter cherry. A base note of chicory swirls in, and the finish is firm, with gravelly tannins. Distinctive and could use time to unwind. Best after 2026. 2,400 cases made, 150 cases imported.

Domusaurea.cl

Domus Aurea is the cream of our wines, the result of skillful winemakers and the best possible natural conditions. Neither its texture nor its flavor, round and pleasant tannins, will ever be forgotten. So much, so that the happy drinkers of this piece of art do feel they know the secrets of the Maipo Valley.

Among the promises of Domus Aurea are its eucalyptus notes, the balance and freshness of its cherries and its delicate orange zest wrapped in subtle chocolate. Nevertheless, the fact that the whole process is oriented by the same respect for tradition and the « terroir », makes every vintage a unique wine.

This wine is unfiltered to preserve the original flavor and integrity, which will be much appreciated if you guard it for a long time.